My hair is glossy black, the white, very visible.
My eyebrows, non-existent as usual, needing a little help with brow pencil.
My eyes, tired, the bags underneath, needing their own zip code.
My nose, a little red, from overblowing.
My lips and mouth, a little dry.
My skin, looking a little blotchy.
My neck, an area much neglected.
My shoulders, aching.
My arms, somewhat flabby.
My breasts, not what they used to be.
My waist, not yet back from vacation.
My belly, floppy and resembles a flotation device.
My hips, hello, where did you come from?
My thighs, still too large to fit into my old pants.
My legs, my least favorite part of my body.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Chubby”.
Just a word.
Right?
It punched me in the gut.
A word uttered to me, perhaps said with good intentions. Perhaps not.
Nevertheless, it punched me in the gut.
I know, only a couple of weeks postpartum, of course I’ll be far from my pre-pregnancy body.
I KNOW this.
Yet, it punched me in the gut.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A change of perspective is required.
My hair is glossy black, still thick from generous pregnancy hormones, not quite shedding yet as before.
My eyebrows, frame my eyes just right.
My eyes, see my boys, and see the love my firstborn has for the baby.
My nose, smells my newborn’s heady baby scent.
My lips and mouth, full of kisses for my children.
My skin, as of now, no pimples (can we say yay), trying not to look its age.
My neck, skin still smooth.
My shoulders, strong, and bearing the weight of motherhood well.
My arms, always full – full of toddler and baby goodness.
My breasts, full, full of nourishment for my baby.
My waist, who cares?
My belly, carrier of two miracles of life.
My hips, just the size they’re supposed to be, bearing the weight of two children when I hold them in my arms.
My thighs, where my baby lies, where my toddler sits.
My legs, carries this body where it needs to go.
This body? Has served me well.
This body? Carried and delivered two beautiful children.
This body? Though not perfect, is mine and is what it’s supposed to be right now.
What do you love about your body?
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You look AMAZING!!!! Not just 2 weeks post partum amazing, but amazing any day of the week or year!
It is hard though, I remember, I am still there today.
But you really do look amazing!!!
Anna ‘s last awesome post..Gift for my dad
Thank you, Anna, that’s lovely of you to say!
Um yes, I love this post. Your body has indeed served you well and has the markings of health, family, and love. I would say it is more than enough, but you know that already
As far as my body…well, it is always easier to remind others of the good points than it is to find them ourselves, but I love the scars from my surgeries because each one is a reminder of strength.
Elena ‘s last awesome post..Finding Your Why With a List
Elena, thank you! I love that you’re viewing your scars as a sign of strength – because yes, they are.
Oh my gosh. Even if you were 2 YEARS postpartum, that would be an incredible photo. You look FAN-tastic!
-dweej ‘s last awesome post..Sleepy Tubbo Needs Advice
Oh Dweej, you’re just too sweet.
I love this post, changing the way you look at yourself is all it takes. It doesn’t matter what anyone else tells you. In all honesty; you look amazing! Wish I looked that good two weeks after giving birth, you go girl!!
Raquel ‘s last awesome post..Spring Clean Your Mind; Clean The Clutter
Thank you Raquel!
This was lovely. As are you.
Sue ‘s last awesome post..Martha Stewart Inspired Lego Ice Cream Cake – A Spin Cycle Tutorial
None lovelier than you, my friend. xo
THIS almost made me cry. I feel it so much and can relate. The part that got me the most was the belly, carrier of 2 miracles of life. That’s one of my biggest self consciousnesses but I try to remind myself it is that way because it held two beautiful babies
Yes, it did! Never forget that.
You look fabulous, two babies or NO babies. So, keep hold your head up high and smiling, lady! Beautiful post, by the way.
Hugs to you and your boys!
Sharon {Grumpy, Sleepy, and Bashful} ‘s last awesome post..Toes
Thank you Sharon, hugs back!
Um, you look phenomenal! And not just “for someone who had a baby recently” but in general. My youngest is 20 months and Im still not to pre-baby weight. It probably doesnt help all the crap I eat either. Seriously though, someone called you chubby?! Throat punch is in order.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..Wishes
Yes, someone did. A throat punch was imagined, but did not happen. On the plus side, a blog post came of it!
And thank you.
Such a beautiful post! And OMG Alison, you look great!!
Aw, thanks Jackie!
Yes, you look amazing!! I remember those first few weeks after baby, and your mind was ready to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes, but your body couldn’t yet squeeze in. Don’t worry mama, you’ll get there. And in the meantime, squeeze those little miracles who wrecked your belly
Runnermom-jen ‘s last awesome post..Wide Open Spaces
Yes, I’ll get there soon enough! In the meantime, I’ll continue to enjoy lounging around in my maternity clothes (so comfy!)
You look beautiful. Post partum or not. But I completely remember that feeling of my body going from pregnant to not and thinking OMG whose body is this?
Leigh Ann ‘s last awesome post..Whose birthday is it? Suge Knight’s birthday.
It’s slightly disconcerting, yes?
Girl, you are smokin’ with those curves. Don’t even sweat it.
Julie ‘s last awesome post..Waffle Iron Wednesday: Mexican Cornbread
Aw, you’re the sweetest, Julie.
You look fab 2 weeks postpartum, or even not. Seriously. I’d keep commenting on how fab you look, but I’m afraid it may seem stalker’ish to some who don’t know me.
Elena ‘s last awesome post..Letters for You
Hee! Funny lady. Thank you, for your sweet words. xo
LOVE.
And makes me remember Audrey Hepburn’s quote: (one of my favorites)
“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”
Alexandra ‘s last awesome post..And I’d Do It All Over Again
Gorgeous quote, thank you, A. xo
Wow, Alison! You look great! I am JEALOUS! I wish I looked like that and I am 2 years postpartum. What a beautiful way to look at your body. I need to do this so that I stop harping on all the things I don’t like. I’m not sure I can even answer your question right now but you’ve given me something to think about.
AnnMarie ‘s last awesome post..Would Meds Help?
AnnMarie, I love that this has given you something to think about. This is why I blog! And thank you.
You look amazing! (but that’s not the point, I know.)
Today is not a day I love my body.
Sigh.
angela ‘s last awesome post..Fancy Cheese Makes Me Swoon
Thank you!
If not today, then tomorrow. xo
what sorry excuse for a….said that to you?
let me at ‘em…I feel a throat punch winding up!
oh….and you look bloody well fantastic! always. period.
RoryBore ‘s last awesome post..Quotable Bits #20: Outside Inspiration
Hah! You don’t want to know who said that to me
And thank you!
Oh my girl. You rock a black t-shirt and jeans.
It’s all in the smile, hands on hips, your look that says, “I can do ANYTHING.”
And you did.
Twice.
julie gardner ‘s last awesome post..Then and Now
You’re as always, awesome, Julie. LOVE YOU. xo
You are beautiful, Alison. Inside as well, for sharing an affirming message. We must all learn to view our bodies as simply lovely carriers of who we are, not what defines us. And we must all learn that each woman sees her flaws, but no one else really does. We all see your adjusted perspective. Now we all need to take a look at ourselves through that very clear lens. What I love about my body is it’s physical power. I love to flex my calf muscles and then look down behind me to see them.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..Sneaky Summer Learning
I don’t even know what to say to your beautiful comment, Jessica. Thank you so much. xo
you look great! really really great and slim!
right now, I don’t love a lot of my body. I go through this sometimes. It’s so familiar, which is reassuring as I know it will pass but also sad in that I waste a lot of time feeling icky about my body.
I just try to ride it out…
wendy @ mama one to three ‘s last awesome post..The Dynamics of Three
Just a change of perspective, Wendy!! And thank you!
Twitter: lilahbility
says:
Way to go Alison! I know that exact feeling, and I love your conscious decision to shift your perspective. If we could all do that, we’d change the world…
(And I know you didn’t write this to hear how great you look, but I just really can’t help it – you do look fantastic! Strong and confident and beautiful, like a woman who could conquer anything and would move heaven and earth for her children.)
Amanda ‘s last awesome post..A Weekend Befitting a Queen
Thanks Amanda!!
Over time our body changes, especially after having 2 kids. It might never go back to what it was before but that’s ok because of the special gifts it created.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..If Tomorrow Never Comes
Word, Jessica.
I kind of hate you right now. You look amazing!!! After already birthing 3 children, I can tell you that your body won’t go back to what it was before. But the changes show what our bodies and hearts can do. And that is amazing.
Kimberly ‘s last awesome post..Today I Will…
You now you love me
You are gorgeous. I don’t look this good regularly; let alone two weeks postpartum! I love the way you re-framed your thoughts. You truly are a beautiful woman and you should definitely be proud of that.
Julia ‘s last awesome post..Ten Years
Thanks Julia, you’re so sweet.
You look fabulous for 2 weeks post-partum.
Barbara ‘s last awesome post..Love and acceptance
That was lovely! You made me all misty-eyed. And you look amazing! My baby is 15 and I don’t look that good yet!
Susanna Leonard Hill – Children’s Author ‘s last awesome post..Perfect Picture Book Friday – Aunt Isabel Tells A Good One
Thank you so much Susanna!
You look beautiful. And I love this post. So much.
January ‘s last awesome post..Denied a Dance (for the first time)
Thank you January.
You look WAY better than I did at two weeks postpartum. And chubby? Please look that word up in the dictionary, it most definitly does not apply.
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes ‘s last awesome post..Tying up loose ends, featuring demented bureaucrats, needles, ice cream and bike accidents
Aw, thanks Tinne. Someone needs to tell the person who said that!
You look like you could kick some serious ass. Way to go!
m.
Mark ‘s last awesome post.."She works hard for the money"
Mark, you’re sweet as always. xo
Someone called you chubby?! WTF?
You do look great, postpartum or not. But more importantly you know what’s important and have a beautiful way of saying it.
Robin @ Farewell, Stranger ‘s last awesome post..Exhibit A
Thank you Robin, really. I used to be really hung up about my body, but now, I have more important things to focus on.
Also, I like that you said WTF.
Alison, you just gave me goose bumps. This is perfect. I am well aware of how you are feeling just being a couple weeks from birthing #2, but in all honesty you look great. I would not tell You that to blow smoke up your ass. You’ll get your body back some day. Well, maybe not the boobs, but really your body will be yours again. Sexier than ever because it was responsible for bringing two more beautiful people into This world and that you can carry on those shoulders that you can raise and tilt back ever so slightly while shaking those beautiful hips down the road of the rest of your journey. Wish I would have thought about writing this post. Maybe I’ll do something similar soon and kick it back go you.
tayarra ‘s last awesome post..Us Being Us – Memories Captured
Tayarra, thank you for your comment, really. You just made my week
And yes, our bodies will never be the same again, but that’s okay. I’ve come to terms with that, fortunately.
I would love to read your take on this, write that post!
Well, I’ll chime in with the others and say you look fantastic, but ultimately that’s irrelevant. What matters more (most) is listening to you remind yourself (and us) that your body is valuable and beautiful AS IT IS. Because it is yours and because it provided/provides such a safe haven for those you love.
deborah l quinn ‘s last awesome post..monday’s listicle: a list for husbands
Yay, you, Deborah, yes, exactly that. Thank you.
You are incredible! Strong, smart, beautiful.
Jen ‘s last awesome post..Blogger’s Dance…Respect!
Thank you Jen. YOU are the strong one!
:Tears: You are beautiful, inside and out. Always.
And you look better at 2 weeks postpartum than I did before I had my first kid. Haha! You’re gorgeous.
I’m not a fan of my body lately but I grew, birthed and nourished 3 kids. It should be celebrated not disparaged. Thanks for the reminder today
Delilah ‘s last awesome post..Life in an Instagram
Aw, Delilah, thank you for your lovely comment. And love yourself and your body – your kids do
Thank you for this. Today, a day when my jeans fit a little tighter than I’d like, I’m reminded of why I should be grateful for my body. You look amazing.
Adrian
The Working Momaholic ‘s last awesome post..Boy Wonder
Thank you Adrian. We moms are amazing
AHHHHHHHH! I can’t believe anyone said that to you!!!! That person is lucky that most of your bloggy friends are on the other side of the world. Just sayin’
I love your perspective in this piece. And I’m glad you posted this picture because…You. Are. Rocking. It. 95% of the population wishes they looked that good BEFORE they had babies.
Hugs to you! Ellen
Ellen, you are awesome. As always. I know, my bloggy friends are totally kickass friends.
I hate that women are so hard on themselves. I love my eyes, big and green but I hate my legs. My husband likes them and I’m working to tone so that’s what counts right?
Jaime ‘s last awesome post..Niagara Falls
Your husband loves your legs (and you), that’s plenty
What a great post. It’s so easy to be critical of our bodies, and forget the great things it can do, like grow humans!
Carolyn ‘s last awesome post..Don’t Forget! {Printable Packing List}
Growing humans is no mean feat, indeed!
I made it! I’m here, just in time to read your awesome post. Really great stuff, this is a post I will carry in my memory for a long time. I love that last perspective, perhaps it is the only true one..
Mirjam ‘s last awesome post..A smile and a tear
Thank you Mirjam!
Sing it sister! Work it. Own it. Love it. Just love how you did version one followed by version two. Look at you looking fabulous!
Let’s see…what do I love about me? Hm. That’d be my eyes. A nice blue all my sons inherited. And my arms–my strong muscley mama arms from hauling babies around.
Thanks for this post! It made me smile.
Your babies DO have gorgeous blues like you!! And yay for strong arms! Glad I made you smile
Great post and you look great! Did someone dare call you chubby? How?
I like my hair and that the jeans I am wearing make me look “slim” as a coworker commented to me this morning. I like that my height and build let me get away with a lot.
KeAnne ‘s last awesome post..The Definition of Insanity
I love that you can see the good in your body, yay!!
You look fricking FANSTASTIC post partum. 2 weeks? That’s what I looked like after a YEAR! (Except for that whole I’m blond and your dark haired part).
Missy | Literal Mom ‘s last awesome post..Things They Can’t Say – I’m So There Today
You’re too kind, Missy!
Twitter: krrobi
says:
Mama A,
These words hold POWER, inspiration, and encouragement.
I am applauding right now.
can you hear me from Minnesota? Xx
you look stunning. Damn YOU!
My Inner Chick ‘s last awesome post..REVOLUTION
I hear you, Kim! And thank you! xo
I am going to echo all of the above posters and say the truth that you really do look amazing. Your words were so eloquent, I think they are powerful for all Moms going through the post-partum transition time.
Sarah ‘s last awesome post..Made in the USA: The 30 Day Philadelphia Trip
Thanks so much Sarah!
Beautiful post! I love my arms and legs. I used to love my waist, but I’ve gained about twenty pounds since my last daughter’s birth (that’s right – after her birth, because I lost all my pregnancy weight when she was born) and I really need to work on losing that. Easier said than done, though…
Bonnie Way ‘s last awesome post..I’m a Guest at the Young Wife’s Guide!
You can do it, Bonnie!
You look amazing and I’m so glad you were able to change your perspective on your own. I remember looking down at my post partum body and having a war inside my head between “oh my gosh look at this deflated mess” and “a baby or (babies) just grew here, how lucky am I?”
You are perfect Alison and your boys know it.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..Space
Oh Jessica, thank you. We are so lucky, definitely.
Since my body is well past the child-bearing years…I could relate to everything in your first version to the letter. Perhaps menopause and post-pregnancy body types are the same?!?!
BTW…you look AMAZING and love your version 2!!!
Congrats! Diane
Diane ‘s last awesome post..Some Things Never Really Change…
Thank you, Diane!!
I think you look AMAZING! You are rocking it, my friend!
Katie ‘s last awesome post..first stitches
Thank you, my friend. xo
a-I love this
b-you look better at 2 weeks than I look at 2 years
Not a Perfect Mom ‘s last awesome post..An Example Of When Kids Suck
You’re too sweet, Holly.
I love this post. You always inspire me, Alison. You’ve taken something we women all do – look at ourselves and frown – and turned it all around. I think that I might just do this too – even if it’s just privately – because everyone could a little image boost via positive thinking now and then. Thanks!
Janice ‘s last awesome post..Time To Be A Mother
Yes, if no one does it for us, we have to dig deep and positive think ourselves out of a funk. And thank you!
HURRAY!!! Perfection. This is what we all need to do!! Change our wording, change our perception!! Look what we do with our bodies!!
Bravo Alison!!
Leighann ‘s last awesome post..There’s a Reason
Yes, exactly that Leighann! Thank you!
I remember feeling like a stranger in my own body immediately following Lil’ Bit’s birth. It just felt so foreign to me. And empty. Very, very empty.
I forget when I finally started to feel like myself again, but I did. There was no celebratory Facebook post about being able to fit back into my non-maternity clothes or reaching my pre-pregnancy weight. It was just like one day I woke up and thought, “Oh, THERE you are!”
You’ve already been through this once, so you know the drill. You’ll get there – to the point where you feel familiar again. In the meantime, I think you look fantastic.
Kristin @ What She Said ‘s last awesome post..Friday Tapas: The One Where I Eat Crow
It took me 10 months last time to get to a place where I was happy with my body.
This time, I’m not going to be so hard on myself. I want to enjoy my kids, not worry about being chubby
Twitter: beeswithhoney
says:
Oh my gosh Alison! If you had seen me two weeks after baby came out of me, you would have died. It took me a full 8 months to get rid of the extra weight for my 3rd pregnancy. Weight Watchers was necessary the last time around. It all came off though.
You’re doing wonderful and look just as beautiful as you did pre pregnancy! WOOHOO!
Bruna ‘s last awesome post..advice from a teenager
Aw, thanks Bruna!
What beautiful words. And what beautiful woman!
Sili ‘s last awesome post..Mami Swagger: Saving Face
Thanks Sili!
You do look great! Seriously 2 weeks…you look amazing!
Natalie ‘s last awesome post..Oh How the Time Flies…
Beautiful, beautiful post! Changing my perceptions is how I dealt with not being able to exercise, because of health issues, for a full year after giving birth to my son.
Our thoughts and what we choose to focus on really do make a huge difference!
Visiting from SITS
Cynthia H ‘s last awesome post..Inspiration in Your Inbox
It truly is!! Thanks for visiting, Cynthia.
Absolutely lovely… wow. So much truth and wisdom here. Congrats on your new little one and by the way, I think you look great!
My youngest is 11 and lately… well, never mind!
:~)
Visiting from SITS Saturday Sharefest!
Thank you for your kind words, Julie! And thank you for dropping by.
I love your change of perspective.
And girl, you look AMAZING!
Shell ‘s last awesome post..Things They Can’t Say: Literal Mom
Thank you Shell!
I think you look great!!! Yup your body has delivered two little miracles and of that you should be proud.
Twisted Domestic Goddess ‘s last awesome post..This Friday moment brought to you by….AWWWWW that’s so sweet.
That I am!
Twitter: euregirlsandboy
says:
I just had to comment really quickly to say how amazing you look two weeks post-partum! I think you look better than I do now. But I also know how those words can affect us – I hope you’re feeling better about yourself.
Katie E ‘s last awesome post..End of the School Year Insanity
I am definitely feeling better about myself. Writing this post really helped!
You look so great 2 weeks post-partum! Are you kidding me? No visible spit up
The post-partum bit was bizarre – feeling not like yourself and your body taking on a whole other role that’s not just about you. But you will come back into your own. You know that. Everything just has shifted slightly, right?
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf ‘s last awesome post..Bloggy Boot Camp Philly
Shifted outward, yes, particularly the belly
I love that Alison!! Seeing the positive in everything. It reminds me of one of my posts positive positive positive
Nikky44 ‘s last awesome post..I Miss You
If I don’t stay positive, I’ll drown
You look amazing – but more importantly – you are happy with your body and the miracles you created! You are many things – wonderful, witty, amazing and talented….I’m glad that you’re not defining yourself by your looks (which are FAB, btw). You’re made of awesome!
Ann, you always say the best things, thank you so much.
This is such a beautiful post. I love the change of perspective. Thank you for making us all think of our bodies a little differently, if only for a day.
Stopping by from SITS. Have a great weekend.
misssrobin ‘s last awesome post..Confronting My Therapist
Thank you Robin – I hope you can look at your body differently for more than a day
in lieu of so many friends experiencing tragedy of all sorts, I’m thankful to my body for being healthy. For the most part everything works as it should. (great post, btw).
grace ‘s last awesome post..Friday iphoneography
Yes, that’s a great perspective too, Grace. And thank you!
What a great post and you have a wonderful attitude. Congrats on the birth of your second miracle and no, you do not look chubby to me!
Thank you Holly!
You are so beautiful and positive!
Stasha ‘s last awesome post..Scavenger hunt
Stasha, I have to be positive. Or I’ll die. And thank you.
I remember someone once said to me “You have a body, you are not your body”. I always try to remember that when I start to get down on myself.
Kellie ‘s last awesome post..And you’ve got to be ready…
That is a great quote!
i’m so bloody jealous. woman, if i saw you on the street i could never guess you just had a baby. even if i saw you nursing on the street i wouldn’t be able to tell you had a baby. you look really darn good.
i’ve got to say, it’s really silly, but i like my nose. my mom did one good thing for me for sure, she rubbed my nose everyday when i was a toddler to make sure i didnt get the broad flat nose that comes from her side of the family. lol
vanita ‘s last awesome post..WordPress Blog Theme Giveaway
Aw, thanks Vanita! And I totally cracked up at the nose thing.
I think, you look great two weeks postpartum or not. And all those points you made… yes, yes, yes!!! Some people really need to stop before they speak. Hello, you just made and brought a gorgeous new life into this world… that’s what matters!!!
Susi ‘s last awesome post..Instagram Sundays #6
Yeah that’s right! Thanks Susi!
Love Love Love this post!
Thank you Tina!
You’re gorgeous and fabulous! Don’t ever forget it.
Blond Duck ‘s last awesome post..Memorial Monday
Thank you so much!!
That’s beautiful, Allison! I think you are perfect and beautiful just like you are. A mother’s body is a wonderful thing.
Kelley ‘s last awesome post..I Never Knew: A Memorial Day tribute to my husband’s grandfather
Kelley, thank you.
I’m trying to get over the shock of “chubby.” Let’s just gloss right over that like your shiny black hair. You are GORGEOUS!
I think for me … I like that I smile from the inside and it shows on the out.
Lady Jennie ‘s last awesome post..Young Lady’s Prayer
That’s lovely, I like that!! (and thank you)
I know it’s all relative and it’s your body and you know it’s ins and outs but GIRL. If I had looked that good 2 weeks postpartum, well, I would have been smiling really BIG. You look great. And I love your new perspective.
Elaine ‘s last awesome post..About this photography thing…
Elaine, thank you. It’s not easy to turn things around when it comes to our bodies. I am not 100% happy with the fact that my belly will be around forever, but I accept that it will and just won’t look at it as much. And remember that I bore 2 kids.
Alison. You are your postpartum body are beautiful. I love this post, sincerely.
Jessica ‘s last awesome post..I want to be here when I’m here
Thank you Jessica. Glad you like the post!
Such an important post about owning your body and loving its beauty, my beautiful friend. xo
Galit Breen ‘s last awesome post..A Storm in the Night
Thank you my friend. You are an inspiration to me, know that. xo
Holy hot momma… you look GREAT!!!!!!! Love this post.
Charlotte ‘s last awesome post..so you say my ex is married
Thank you Charlotte, you’re sweet as always.
First, you look amazing for being two weeks postpartum.
Second, you brought tears to my eyes with this. Sometimes I fear that I spend so much time hating my body for what it doesn’t look like that I miss out on the wonderful things it does.
Thanks for being such an inspiration!
Amand ‘s last awesome post..Saturday Happy Hour
Thank you for your kind words! I do hope you can look at yourself positively. Life is too short to hate our bodies
Oh you beautiful mama! Chubby?? This is the BEST one of “these posts” I’ve read by miles and miles x
Jade ‘s last awesome post..Uniformity
Oh you’re too kind, Jade, thank you!
I love this and you look amazing! Our bodies are wonderful machines, aren’t they. So glad you appreicate yours, flaws and all.
Tonya ‘s last awesome post..Vacation Highlights
Thank you Tonya!! It’s not a daily thing, but mostly, yes, I am thankful for my body.
You, my dear, are gorgeous! Congrats on the baby and congrats on a beautiful attitude (and HOT BOD..look at those curves!)
Thank you so much!